Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has congratulated an Irish recipient of one of Scotland's most prestigious renewable industry awards.

The Scottish Renewables Green Energy Awards were announced at a gala ceremony, last week, which saw over 700 individuals from communities, the European renewables industry and the world of politics gather together.

Minister Ryan congratulated Dublin based OpenHydro on their win of the Best Renewable Innovation Award for Scotland's first ever grid connected tidal turbine off the coast of Orkney.

He said: "I am delighted to see this level of cooperation between the Irish and Scottish renewable industries, as we work towards developing our respective energy sectors.

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"Both Governments are already examining the possibility of developing a joint electricity grid and the potential benefits for the energy industries in both countries will be enormous.

"We already have a distinct advantage, with our shared location close to the Atlantic and North Sea, which will allow us to excel particularly with tidal and offshore wind.

"I must commend Scottish Renewables for organising this event, which provides an incentive for business and encourages the development of new and innovative technologies," added Mr Ryan.

Jason Ormiston, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "The winners and finalists at the Green Energy Awards are all heroes, highlighting an excellent year for the renewable energy industry in Scotland.

"The Green Energy Awards demonstrate that projects of all scales can have major benefits."

Paul Cowling, Managing Director of npower renewables, the sponsor of the awards, said: "The renewables industry is an extremely dynamic sector and the high calibre of the winners demonstrates this.

"We congratulate all the winners, as well as Scottish Renewables for acknowledging the contribution thousands of people in Scotland make to ensure Scotland's green future," added Mr Cowling.

(PR/JM)